Group Corporate Controller

About Sand 

Sand Technologies is a fast-growing enterprise AI company that solves real-world problems for large blue-chip companies and governments worldwide. 

We’re pioneers of meaningful AI: our solutions go far beyond chatbots. We are using data and AI to solve the world’s biggest issues in telecommunications, sustainable water management, energy, healthcare, climate change, smart cities, and other areas that have a real impact on the world. For example, our AI systems help to manage the water supply for the entire city of London. We created the AI algorithms that enabled the 7th largest telecommunications company in the world to plan its network in 300 cities in record time. And we built a digital healthcare system that enables 30m people in a country to get world-class healthcare despite a shortage of doctors. 

We’ve grown our revenues by over 500% in the last 12 months while winning prestigious scientific and industry awards for our cutting-edge technology. We’re underpinned by over 300 engineers and scientists working across Africa, Europe, the UK and the US. 

 

Why Join Sand? 

• Opportunity to build the finance backbone of a global AI/SaaS scale-up. 
• Exposure to a transformative journey from bespoke consulting to product SaaS, with direct visibility to executive leadership and investors. 
• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture with global reach and impact. 

 

Role Summary 

As we scale, we are seeking a Corporate Controller to establish best-in-class financial processes, lead ERP implementation, and ensure IFRS-compliant global reporting. The Corporate Controller will be responsible for building the foundation of Sand’s global finance function. This leader will design and implement financial processes and controls, ensure accurate and timely reporting under IFRS, and own the successful build-out of Sand’s ERP (NetSuite) to support a global SaaS business model. 

This is both a strategic and hands-on role: the Controller will roll up their sleeves to clean up processes while setting the stage for scalable growth. 

 

Specific Responsibilities 

Accounting & Reporting 

• Lead all aspects of global accounting and financial reporting under IFRS, including consolidation across multiple geographies. 
• Drive month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. 
• Own revenue recognition under IFRS 15 (contracts with customers), with immediate responsibility for complex arrangements spanning SaaS, consulting, and hybrid models. 
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls, preparing Sand for future audit readiness (Big 4/PCAOB standards). 

 

ERP / Systems 

• Serve as the global process owner for Sand’s ERP (NetSuite), leading design, configuration, and implementation to ensure compliance, automation, and scalability. 
• Partner with external NetSuite consultants in the short term and build in-house capability for long-term ownership. 
• Integrate ERP with CRM (Salesforce or equivalent), billing, and FP&A tools to enable end-to-end visibility and automation. 

 

Finance Operations & Compliance 

• Oversee AR, AP, payroll, and treasury processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and working capital optimization. 
• Establish internal control frameworks to support fundraising, audit, and governance requirements. 
• Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and regulators in multiple jurisdictions. 

 

Leadership & Growth 

• Build and mentor a high-performing accounting team across regions, beginning with existing junior accountants and scaling as business needs dictate. 
• Partner closely with FP&A, Commercial Finance, and business leadership to support strategic decision-making. 

 

Candidate Profile 

• Experience: 10–15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 3–5 years as a Controller or equivalent in a global organization. 
• Industry background: 
  • Required: SaaS/technology (with strong revenue recognition and subscription accounting experience). 
  • Strong plus: Prior exposure to time-and-materials / project-based services businesses. 
• Technical: 
  • Deep knowledge of IFRS (IFRS 15 in particular). 
  • ERP implementation experience (NetSuite strongly preferred). 
  • Strong controls and compliance mindset, with ability to scale processes for audit-readiness. 
• Leadership: 
  • Demonstrated success building teams in international / emerging markets. 
  • Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on. 

Location: Remote 

 

Due to the considerable amount of virtual working and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential. As an employee, you will be encouraged to continually develop your capability & attain certifications to reflect your growth as an individual.